The stories we will be developing are:

• Intercultural: developed with new Dutch people about the added value of cultural cross-pollination.
• Interdisciplinary: told from the various expertises that team members bring together.
• Innovative: experimental in the application of new technology and media for storytelling.

Each prototype casts a different light on the multicultural society of the Netherlands and uses the medium that best suits the makers and their story. Projects can for example take the form of a web experience, but also be VR, performance, app or installation. After three days of working together, the teams will share their results publicly during the Netherlands Film Festival.

With whom?

We warmly invite creatives of all professional backgrounds with an interest in innovative forms of storytelling to take part. Perhaps you do photography, develop websites, produce podcasts, make theatre, are into data visualisation, create immersive experiences in VR or AR, excel at designing user interfaces or you enjoy editing videos for online platforms. Whatever experience you bring, you certainly have an open mind and enjoy collaborating across disciplines.

We especially encourage you to join if you have moved to the Netherlands from another country. With this Story Jam we want to build on the unique perspectives from people who are new to this country and celebrate intercultural collaboration, experiences and stories.

Why now?

Influenced by migratory flows, including wars, political unrest and climate crises, Dutch society is becoming increasingly diverse. Story Jam: New Neighbours focuses on new stories from these multicultural communities and the social and economic value they bring to the table. How can we support each other and what can these connections and collaborations bring? How can we celebrate social and cultural richness? What can different backgrounds learn from each other? And how can intercultural stories help?

With this Story Jam, we want to challenge stereotypes and expose commonly held myths, put migrants’ voices at the centre of discussions about migration and deliver innovative messages to promote the integration of Dutch newcovers into local communities.

Read more background about the Story Jam and the New Neighbours theme.

In short

💪 Make social impact with stories that connect, at the intersection of storytelling and technology.

🎨 Collaborate with storytellers from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

🚀 Develop innovative stories under healthy time pressure, with inspiring input and professional guidance.

When?

Story Jam: 19 – 21 September, three full days, more details to follow.

Kick off event: early September (TBC) @ the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision in Hilversum

Public presentation of results: Saturday September the 24th.

Take part

Would you like to join? Register before 22 August using the registration form. The selection of participants will be announced no later than 5 September. Participation is free of charge, catering will be provided.

Teams will be formed to ensure a variety of skills, based on the information submitted in applications. Applications are sent on an individual basis. In case you want to apply with a team, please clearly mention this and include all team members in the application form.

Apply here

Mentors and Speakers

During the Story Jam, you are supported by a team of mentors who bring a diverse range of experience and expertise. Already announced mentors are Anna Desponds (Podcaster & Researcher), Sahand Sahebdivani (Storyteller, founder Mezrab storytelling school & Mezrab Cultural Center) and Klasien van de Zandschulp (Interactive artist and designer). More mentors will be announced in the run-up to the event.